9 Characteristics of Spirited Entrepreneurs

Millennials have a new view of the world and it is causing us to expand how we look at entrepreneurship. The traditional definition centers around the goal of making money. The new definition uses the same methods, but with a different end goal in mind. We’re beginning to recognize entrepreneurship as a means to bring value to those who need it. Here are nine characteristics of spirited entrepreneurs.

1. They think of doing the thing first and making money second.

Spirited entrepreneurs are excited about what they are creating and the good that will come from it. They are driven to make a difference in the world and positively affect people’s lives. They also make money, but that’s not the primary goal. When they begin to make money from their entrepreneurship, they might say, “Oh, that’s cool, too.”

Advertising

2. They leverage their social networks to gather support.

Business is and always has been about relationships. There are relationships with customers, advertisers, suppliers, complimentary businesses, governments, neighbors and other stakeholders. Today it is easier than ever to build and nurture those relationships by leveraging the power of social media. Spirited entrepreneurs leverage social media to gain support for the good they want to create with their entrepreneurial venture.

3. They believe that business exists to create value in the world.

As long as human beings have traded goods and services, there has been a thing called “business.” We trade goods and services for the betterment of our lives. For example, Patagonia makes coats so people will stay warm while they are doing fun and exciting things, and they do it in a way that is environmentally and socially responsible. Spirited entrepreneurs put this idea of creating value in a responsible way at the forefront of their business instead of making money.

Advertising

4. They believe there is strength in numbers.

Nobody does anything meaningful by themselves. Spirited entrepreneurs are obsessed with leveraging the power of the resources that others offer to create their business. They use crowd funding and other social sharing or community-building technology to get their businesses off the ground. They know that in order to accomplish their mission, they have to find and leverage talent.

5. They want to actually make a difference.

Spirited entrepreneurs don’t want to just do something that looks good. They want to do something that actually makes a difference. They aren’t just looking for positive press or a pat on the back. What they are doing has to create the value they set out to create. Spirited entrepreneurs know they must measure the impact they are having to ensure they are doing the good they intended.

Advertising

6. They believe they have something to add.

They believe their background, experience and perspectives are valuable. Spirited entrepreneurs don’t want to keep their knowledge and experience to themselves; they want to share it with the world because they know it is valuable and will help people.

7. They get their facts together.

Never in the history of humanity has information been more easily available than it is now. Spirited entrepreneurs know that information is power, so they get as much power as they can by gathering as much information as possible. They leverage their network, social media and the Internet to gather facts about their customers, competitors and industry.

Advertising

8. They think we need more things like Airbnb, Uber, and Boatbound.

Spirited entrepreneurs are all about connecting people who have resources with people who need them. The new sharing economy allows people to have access to things without the burden of owning them. Connecting the resources with the people who need them requires innovation, and spirited entrepreneurs are eager to figure out better ways to accomplish this goal.

9. They share a bold expectation of leaving the world in a different state than they found it.

Spirited entrepreneurs aren’t just out to make money. They know they have a limited amount of time on this planet and that time is the only asset of real value they will ever possess. Because of this, they use their time to accomplish something meaningful and the method they have chosen is entrepreneurship.

20 Best Places to Work for a Great Career in 2018

Looking for a job? There’s no doubt to the fact you will want to work with a company that appreciates you for who you are.

Well, good news. The labor market today is one that has peened up with more opportunities for advancement and personal employee improvement. This is partly due to the fact that a lot of companies have been made to understand the value of their biggest assets: the employees.

To wit, here’s a list of companies- across a wide array of industries- that have been able to develop working environments that are healthy and accommodating to workers.

Take a look at these 20 best place to work for a great career:

1. Salesforce, San Francisco, California,

Salesforce is in the information technology business and the company ranks highest due to their commitment to learning and innovation. They are ready to try new things and everyone with a new idea is always welcome to share it at the company. The company has also been known to exhibit an exceptional approach to alignment.

2. Wegmans Food Markets Inc.,Rochester, New York

Based in Rochester, New York, employees have been known to enjoy a sense of purpose from working here. The company has been able to achieve an optimal level of engagement across all working tiers and they’ve been able to achieve great things together. They even do deliveries.

3. Ultimate Software, Weston, Florida

Employees get amazing benefits here but that’s not the only reason why this place is so awesome to work. Whenever there is a need or a death of an Ultipeep or any of other family members, the company shows love and support like no other.

4.The Boston Consulting Group, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts

Development is at the center of anything that goes on here. The business is about people and employees are the company’s biggest asset. Employees are able to challenge the status and also leave impacts on clients.

5. Edward Jones, St. Louis, Missouri

Edward Jones is admired for their ability to acknowledge history without being mired down by it. The company builds on a solid foundation but there is also a level of flexibility that allows for innovation.

6. Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, San Francisco, California

Kimpton is a trendsetter in the hospitality industry. The company always strives to try something different and that perspective is welcomed there at all times. Enjoy the weekends with luxury rooms, conformable mattress, furnished and well dressed service staff. A great opportunity for job seekers.

8. Genentech, South San Francisco, California

Advertising

Here, employees are encouraged to be themselves. There is a feeling of care, safety, and acceptance that you get here that you can’t get at many firms. The development of an all-inclusive environment has always been foundational.

9. Deloitte, New York, New York

Deloitte is one of the biggest professional service providers in the world, noted for their focus on constant learning, development and improvement. They invest in their employees and are concerned about their well being.

10. Baird, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Baird is a financial services provide that is known for adopting a “no asshole policy’ which guides the way people relate with and respect each other, regardless of their position on the company’s hierarchy.

11. Quicken Loans, Detroit, Michigan

At Quicken Loans, the views and opinions of everyone are respected and heard. The organization is revered for the amount of investment they put in their team members and everyone looks for ways to grow and be better.

13. Cooley LLP, Palo Alto, California

Cooley LLP is a law firm known for their ability to care about the company culture and being able to develop a working environment that is empowering and fun. Cooley is known to go for the best when it comes to their employees, regardless of the occasion.

14. Southern Ohio Medical Center, Portsmouth, Ohio

The medical center has been known for their propensity to delegate so much to their employees, thereby providing them with the ability to grow and learn on the job. In the end, you get a workplace that is all-engaging and super fun.

15. American Express, New York, New York

American Express is a firm that celebrates wins, no matter how small. Everyone is made to share the same attitude towards service and the people they are to serve, thereby making people care about what they do.

16. Adobe Systems Inc., San Jose, California

The culture at Adobe Systems is one that encourages employees to develop their own ideas and get a strong viewpoint. As opposed to encouraging competition, work-life balance is fostered everywhere here.

18. Sap America, Newtown Square, Pennsylvania

If you’re looking for a new career path, SAP might be the best bet for you. The company is adept at recognizing value and transferable skills. And you can always look for a new path while maintaining your employment.

19. NVIDIA Corporation, Santa Clara, California

NVIDIA is known for looking after even the smallest of things. With even a “pets allowed” policy this company accepts you for who you are, and helps you to work within your personality. Advancement is also fostered, and you are able to collaborate effectively.

20. KPMG LLP, New York, New York

Communication and progressive collaboration are the foundation of this company’s workforce treatment. Regardless of the level you are, someone is always at the ready to help and the company rewards extra effort with gratitude.

All in all, it’s safe to say that you will be able to find somewhere to apply your skills (whatever they are) that is all inclusive and highly accommodative. Companies today are being made to understand how much they can get when they treat their employees right and this has opened the door to an encouraging work environment for all.